“Growing Pains” Actress Ashley Johnson Was Nearly Abducted from a Live Taping After a Fan Wrote in, Threatening the Cast

**Ashley Johnson Recalls Near-Abduction Incident During “Growing Pains” Taping**

Ashley Johnson, famed for her role as Chrissy Seaver on the beloved sitcom “Growing Pains,” has recounted a harrowing experience from her time on the show. In a recent episode of her podcast, “Weird Kids,” which she co-hosts with Taliesin Jaffe, the actress shared a chilling memory of nearly being abducted by a member of the live studio audience.

The frightful incident occurred during the early years of “Growing Pains,” which aired from 1990 to 1992. Johnson, now 42, discussed how the atmosphere was different back then, with cast members using modest camper trailers instead of the luxurious accommodations commonly seen today. Notably, security measures on set were quite limited compared to modern standards.

As the taping began, the audience would often line up close to the cast’s trailers, allowing actors to walk past them on their way into the studio. Johnson explained that the proximity of the audience created a unique and sometimes intimidating environment. She revealed that the sense of security was shaken when an alarming message was received from an individual threatening to come to the set with a gun.

During the podcast conversation, Johnson recounted her experience further, stating, “It was in the first year I was on, and we had only done a couple of film nights.” She remembered walking with her mother before a taping when a male audience member suddenly jumped out of line and grabbed her, making a run for it.

The fear of the moment was compounded by the fact that there was no immediate panic. “I was clueless as to what was happening,” she recalled, “but I was very upset and they were talking to me about it after.” Despite the confusion, her youthful politeness kicked in during the bizarre encounter, leading her to engage the would-be kidnapper with innocent questions about his identity.

Fortunately, security personnel were able to react swiftly. They managed to apprehend the perpetrator, who was reportedly under the influence of a substance, although not methamphetamine. Johnson described the struggle, recalling that the man had managed to escape with one of her shoes, which was actually part of her wardrobe, adding a surreal twist to the already alarming situation.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Johnson expressed a mix of feelings — she was both unsettled by the incident and keen to reassure those around her. “I just think I’m gonna be in trouble,” she remembered saying after the chaos had subsided.

After her tenure on “Growing Pains,” Johnson transitioned primarily into voice acting, becoming celebrated for her work in the video game industry. She is particularly well-known for her role as Ellie in “The Last of Us,” a performance that earned her a BAFTA Games Award. The character has since been portrayed by Bella Ramsey in the HBO adaptation of the popular game series.

In addition to her video game work, Johnson has also appeared in the live streaming series “Critical Role,” where she continues to showcase her talents. Her journey in Hollywood illustrates her resilience and versatility as an actress, even as she reflects on this scary chapter from her childhood.

The podcast episode serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by young actors in the industry, particularly in an era when on-set safety standards were not what they are today. Johnson’s experiences, both formative and unsettling, highlight the unpredictable nature of being in the public eye from such a young age. As she continues her career and shares her unique stories, audiences can gain deeper insights into the realities of television production during the 1990s, and the lasting impact these experiences can have on child stars.